By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Oct 27, 2023 at 3:31 PM

This year, The Feztival of Trees is inspired by The Grinch, but the event remains one of pure holiday cheer no matter what that grumpy green guy has to say about it.

The family-friendly experience takes place at the stunning Tripoli Shrine, 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave., during Thanksgiving week: Saturday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 25 (minus Thanksgiving Day).

Wanna get inside the magic? Every year, the Tripoli Shriners Feztival of Trees raises thousands of dollars for the Tripoli Shrine Center and the work they do. Now’s the time for your company or organization to get in on the fun and – added bonus – it doubles as a teambuilding event. (OnMilwaukee is already brainstorming our ideas for our tree this year!)

Here’s the deal: Your team donates and decorates an artificial, LED-lit holiday tree in whatever style best expresses your group: traditional, whimsical – the sky’s the limit. Then the tree is raffled off during the Feztival of Trees.

Businesses can also donate $25 gift cards if preferred.

During the eight-day event, the trees are showcased to the public in the ballroom of Tripoli Shrine Center. Attendees purchase 50 / 50 raffle tickets to win the fully decorated trees and all the gifts under them. The drawings will take place the evening of Saturday, Nov. 25 so winners can enjoy their tree throughout the holiday season.

During the weeklong event, guests will also have the opportunity to walk through the Winter Wonderland, enjoy a light show, Christmas music, pictures with Santa, hot cocoa and snacks and more. Tickets are $5.

The deadline to confirm your participation is Tuesday, Oct. 31. Click this link  or contact Alan Soriano at 414-531-3887. Space is limited and setup times will be prearranged with your organization.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.